Most Recent Zimmerman Arrest is Opportunity to Address Language and Myths Related to Domestic Violence

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) urges the media to cover domestic violence accurately.

With high profile cases of domestic violence in the news, such as George Zimmerman’s most recent arrest November 18, 2013 on aggravated assault and battery-domestic violence charges [1] [2], the media has the opportunity to debunk myths and set the record straight on the realities of domestic violence.

First, the myth of anger: Media reports repeatedly [3] [4] [5] refer to Zimmerman having been previously ordered to attend anger management classes, or to his anger in general, calling him an "angry, belligerent" man [6] and a "thug with an anger problem" [7]. The fact is that perpetrators of domestic violence do not have anger management issues – they abuse their power and terrorize people they claim to love. These abusers actually manage their anger well – they speak to 911 operators, police officers, judges, and other professionals with calm and confidence, as in Zimmerman’s case where media outlets have repeated the claims that he was “passive and cooperative”[8] and that he “offered no resistance.”[9]

Second, language that implies mutuality: Media reports use sanitized and inaccurate phrases such as “domestic dispute,” “domestic disturbance,” or, in this case, “fight with his girlfriend.” The reality is that when police are called because one person is assaulting or threatening another person, it is not a “domestic disturbance,” [10] an “incident,” [11] or a “fight.” [12] It is domestic violence. Calling abusive, violent, and threatening behavior disputes or fights – as if both parties are equally involved – redirects attention away from the abuser’s actions and minimizes the life-threatening danger of domestic violence.

The criminal justice system will ultimately make the decision in each reported case of domestic violence. The media, however, plays a vital role in naming the reality and shaping our public dialogue. NNEDV calls on media outlets to cover domestic violence accurately.

NNEDV, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the leading voice for domestic violence victims and their allies. NNEDV members include all 56 of the state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence, including over 2,000 local programs. NNEDV has been a premiere national organization advancing the movement against domestic violence for almost 20 years, having led efforts among domestic violence advocates and survivors in urging Congress to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994. To learn more about NNEDV, please visit www.nnedv.org.

Available for comment:Kim A. Gandy, President and CEO of NNEDV202-543-5566 ext 101